One step.

The dimly lit bar pulsed with an electric energy, a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the mundane. Laughter and music intertwined, creating a symphony of voices that echoed against the polished wood and shimmering glass. In a VVIP block, a stranger, tall and imposing, declared with authority, She is mine! His voice boomed, cutting through the ambient noise like a knife through silk.

Mia, perched elegantly on a barstool, turned her head slightly, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. Ah, you've used a big word, she teased, her tone dripping with mock innocence. She stood, her movements fluid and confident, and sauntered towards the bar. One Trina, please! she ordered, her eyes flickering back to the stranger, who was now fixated on her every move.

The stranger's gaze was intense, a silent command that seemed to part the crowd like the Red Sea. He was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted, and tonight, he had set his sights on Mia. You're saying that I belong to you? she questioned, her voice laced with both curiosity and challenge. The way she carried herself, with an air of defiance, only seemed to fuel his desire.

Meanwhile, across the beach, Nicky and Alex sat in the sand, the waves lapping at their feet. So, will you tell James and Jake about her? Nicky asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

No, there's nothing to say. Let's head to our prepared rooms and sleep. She might be enjoying herself at that bar, Alex replied, his voice tinged with a bitterness that hung in the air like a thick fog. He stood abruptly, offering Nicky a hand to help him up.

Wait, you've already seen her? Nicky's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, well-dressed and captivating," Alex admitted, his tone shifting to one of resignation. I had one question to ask, but I'd rather not. He strode towards his car, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the night sky. I think you came with your own car. I'll drive mine. I need some space, he said, leaving Nicky standing alone on the beach, the weight of unspoken words lingering between them.

Typical, Nicky muttered, shaking his head. It's not just about him, but he never even tried to pursue her.

Back in the bar, tension crackled in the air. The stranger leaned closer to Mia, his bodyguard hovering protectively nearby. I know, young lady, but I want you to be mine. No one has ever rejected me before. His long black hair framed his face, and his floral shirt clung to his muscular frame, exuding an aura of confidence.

Mia scanned him, her eyes assessing. Okay, you're not bad, she conceded, extending her hand. He took it gently, helping her into the plush seat beside him, the chemistry between them.

Care for some wine? he asked, his voice smooth as silk.

Sure, but let's make it interesting, Mia replied, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. She held a blueberry between her fingers, teasingly dropping it into the glass before taking a sip herself. You should try this, she said, leaning closer, her lips brushing against the rim of the glass.

The stranger watched, entranced, as she savored the moment, a cocktail of allure and audacity. You're trouble, one of his bodyguards whispered, concern etched on his face. Let her go; we'll find you someone more compliant.

No, he replied firmly, his gaze never wavering from Mia. I want her. She's different.

Mia, aware of the scrutiny, reveled in the attention. She leaned closer to the stranger, feeding him blueberries from her fingers, a silent game of seduction unfolding between them. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and the bar faded into the background as their world narrowed to just the two of them.

Why did I fall for her? Alex shouted into the night, the weight of his emotions spilling over. He was still grappling with the realization that someone like Mia could ignite feelings he thought he had buried.

It's still a young night, Th boss replied, his voice steady. Go, all of you. I need some time with your new boss. Mia glanced at the bodyguard who seemed unfazed by her antics, but the boss was clearly captivated, and she didn't care about the rest.

In that moment, as laughter and music swirled around them, Mia found herself lost in the thrill of the chase. She was not just a pretty face; she was a force of nature, a tempest in a glass of wine. And as the stranger leaned in closer,

Alex sat in his car, the engine humming softly, but his heart was pounding with an intensity that felt almost unbearable. The roadside was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. He leaned his forehead against the steering wheel, wrestling with the turmoil that had become a constant companion in his life. Will this pain ever end? he thought, the question echoing in his mind like a haunting refrain. It wasn't just physical pain; it was emotional, a relentless ache that gnawed at his insides.

Mia, his best friend, was a few feet away, her eyes scanning the area. She could see that Peter was in distress, and she knew she had to act quickly. He was not one to show weakness, but today was different. Today, the shadows of his pain loomed larger than ever.

Hey, Peter she called out, forcing a cheerfulness into her voice that she didn't quite feel. Let's take a break. You need to breathe. She approached cautiously, sensing the invisible wall he had built around himself.

But before she could reach him, a figure emerged from the shadows—a man Mia had come to recognize as 'the boss.' He had a reputation that preceded him, and Mia could see the tension in his posture. What are you doing here? he barked, his voice low and menacing. You have a death wish or something? When I need you, I'll call you. Got it?

Mia felt a chill run down her spine as the boss's gaze flickered toward Peter, who remained oblivious to the unfolding drama. The boss's 'dog'—a hulking figure that always seemed to be lurking—watched them with an intensity that made her skin crawl. She had to keep her composure; Peter was depending on her.

Ah, that was close, she thought, pulling the boss away from her face, her fingers trembling slightly. I need to distract him.

With a boldness that surprised even herself, she suggested, How about a drink? It's a long night ahead, and we could use some wine to lighten the mood.

The boss's demeanor shifted slightly; a smile crept onto his lips as he considered her offer. Fine, he said, leaning closer as she poured wine into a glass. But let's find somewhere quiet.

Mia's heart raced as she watched him gulp down the wine. Good, she thought. Now I just need to signal Paul.

Paul, her accomplice in this dangerous game, was already on the move. He sauntered over to a group of ladies, whispering sweet nothings into one's ear. Mia caught sight of the lady's intrigued expression as she followed Paul upstairs.

Okay, are we going to do it here or inside? she asked, her voice playful as she kissed the boss's neck, trying to keep him distracted.

Wait, let me do all the work, he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Mia watched as he led her away, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. This is it, she thought. I just need to keep everything under control.

As the boss opened a door and carried her inside, Mia felt a momentary of guilt. Oh, he's a gentleman, my foot as she focused on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Paul was growing increasingly anxious. Mia, show me a sign. Where have you gone with that drunk man? he thought, his worry gnawing at him.

Suddenly, a voice called out from the other side of the room. It was Mia, but her tone was different—urgent. Paul bolted from his room, propelled by instinct.

He rounded the corner just in time to see Mia struggling with a man on the floor. Oh man, how foolish of me, he muttered under his breath. I trained her; she can never be in danger.

With a surge of adrenaline, Paul rushed in, ready to defend his friend. The scene unfolded like a chaotic dance, filled with tension and uncertainty. But in that moment, Paul realized that Mia was more than capable of handling herself. She had always been a force of nature, and today was no different.

As the struggle intensified, Mia's eyes locked with Paul's, and she gave him a reassuring nod. I've got this, her expression seemed to say.

In that instant, the shadows of pain that had engulfed Peter began to dissipate. Mia's strength radiated through the chaos, reminding him that even in the darkest moments, there was always a flicker of hope.

In the dim light of a cramped hideout, tension hung thick in the air. Mia stood at the threshold, her heart racing, as she grappled with the chaos that had unfolded. Just moments before, Peter had helped them slip through the back door, his face a mask of determination, and now Mia was left with a gnawing sense of betrayal. She had only seen the door close behind him, but the weight of his absence pressed heavily on her chest.

Minutes stretched into an eternity before the ominous sound of footsteps echoed from the shadows. Four burly men emerged, their expressions grim as they carried the unconscious form of the boss. They hastily loaded him into a car, their movements efficient yet laced with an unsettling urgency. Mia's mind raced. Julius had to be inside, but where?

With a surge of adrenaline, she approached the door, now locked tight. Her fingers trembled as she fished out her hairpin, a relic of her childhood that had seen many such moments of desperation. With a click, the door swung open, revealing the dimly lit interior of the hideout.

Julius! she called, her voice echoing against the walls. The room was a chaotic blend of discarded furniture and shadows, but her focus narrowed as she spotted him. He was tied to a wooden chair, the ropes digging into his wrists. Panic surged within her as she rushed to his side, her heart pounding in her ears.

Are you okay? she asked breathlessly, checking for any signs of injury. Relief washed over her as she felt his steady breathing. But the moment was short-lived; her eyes darted around the room, landing on Hara, unconscious on the bed.

Oh God, she's alive! Mia exclaimed, dashing to her friend's side.

What happened? she demanded as she glanced over her shoulder at Paul, who stood awkwardly in the corner, hands raised in surrender.

Hey, I'm not the one you should be asking! Paul replied, his voice strained. I was with you all night!

Mia's gaze shifted from Paul to the four men, each of them shaking their heads in unison. Not me, they chorused.

Maybe it was Peter, Paul suggested, a hint of accusation in his tone.

Mia's eyes narrowed. By the way, did you know he was working for the boss? The question hung in the air, heavy with implication.

"No!" came the collective response, a chorus of denial that only fueled her frustration.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Peter stepped inside, his expression a mix of guilt and shame. Sorry, Mia, it was me, he mumbled, barely meeting her gaze.

Before he could utter another word, Mia's hand flew through the air, landing a sharp slap across his cheek. How dare you! she shouted, her fury igniting like a wildfire. How dare you join the boss's bodyguard group?

Peter recoiled, raising his hands defensively, but Mia was relentless. Another slap followed, and then, with a surge of pent-up rage, she delivered a hard punch that sent him staggering back.

OOOHHH! AAAHH, how dare you, Peter! she yelled, her voice echoing off the walls.

The four men exchanged glances, their bravado faltering in the face of Mia's wrath. They whispered among themselves, glancing nervously at Paul. You trained her; go and stop her! one of them urged.

Who?! Paul asked, incredulous, as the men giggled nervously. Wait, you're also afraid of her?

Who said I'm afraid? Paul shot back, but the sound of another punch landing on Peter's jaw silenced him.

Yeah, I'm out of here! Paul declared, bolting for the exit as the four men scrambled after him, pouring sweat and panic trailing behind them.

AHAAAAH! That lady is something! one of them exclaimed, laughter mingling with fear as they fled. Who will marry her? I pity that man!

Stop your chatter! Let's go before she calls us! Paul added, his voice barely containing his laughter as they disappeared into the night.

Mia stood there, panting, her anger slowly dissipating into a mix of confusion and concern. She turned back to Peter, who was gingerly rubbing his jaw, his expression a blend of remorse and defiance.

Why, Peter? she asked, her voice softer now, tinged with hurt. Why would you betray us?

He met her gaze, the weight of his choices evident in his eyes. I thought I could protect you. I thought I could be on the inside and keep you safe.

Mia shook her head, disbelief washing over her. You don't understand, do you? You've put us all in danger!

As the tension in the room shifted, the reality of their situation settled in. They were caught in a web of deceit, and the stakes were higher than ever. Mia knew they had to act quickly, to regroup and strategize if they were to escape the clutches of the boss and his men.

Let's get Hara and her husband out of here, she said, determination hardening her voice. We need to find a way to turn the tables.

Peter nodded, his guilt morphing into resolve. Together, they would face the storm.

Make sure to tie the boss Mia commanded.

Don't do anything and don't show him your face, I will come soon. Hara and her family they need to be safe first.